Chicago comedy shows with female-identifying and queer casts

Female comedians in Chicago are creating a space for themselves in the city's historic improv and stand-up entertainment scenes. Check out one of their shows, highlighting everything from "unladylike" behavior to sex positivity.

This all-female cast met in classes at iO and have been improvising for over three years. AlterBoyz performs weekly with the troupe Wetbus for "Oh Hell Yeah," a group-mind-driven event. Catch the specialty show the last Friday of the month.

This show invites female-identifying and gender-queer attendees to get involved in the fun. Following improv, stand-up or storytelling openers, willing audience members can perform in a jam with producers. The night ends with the "dang gang of the month."

Veteran female members of SheBeast, Superhuman and Virgin Daiquiri and special guests get the audience on the edge of their seats before inviting them to perform together. It's "part amazing show, part performance opportunity, part safe space."

Each month, this gathering focuses on a different theme, with female-identified storytellers speaking on the issue and improvisers turning the personal experiences into comedy. Imagine your brunch conversations or chats with your mom performed onstage.

When she's not working at the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago or teaching comedy through Feminine Comique, Alex Kumin books the monthly Jokesplaining, which includes "a fresh lineup of voices who aren't afraid to push the boundaries and challenge the status quo!"

Hosted by local voice Kelsie Huff, the show combines stand-up, musical, clowning and solo acts to present an intimate, and hilarious, performance. In addition to twice-monthly shows at the Book Cellar, the literary and boozy Lincoln Square spot, the kates hold pop-up shows around Chicago.

Women of color perform at this weekly show that guarantees to be "intersectional AF" and provide a safe space. White male (Matt Damon) or female (Lena Dunham) guests join the cast, but can only repeat what the women of Matt Damon Improv have already said.

This all-women ensemble, which has been making audiences laugh for over 10 years, boasts alumnae including "Saturday Night Live" stars Aidy Bryant and Cecily Strong. Check out a different opening team each week.

Hosted by all-female identifying troupe Compliment Queens, this positive show starts with an audience suggestion of a compliment they have recently received. Female, non-binary and gender nonconforming audience members can participate in the improv jam.